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Space memorabilia of all descriptions is a popular subject for
collecting so the Space Sale, to be held by Bonhams New York
tomorrow afternoon (local time), is likely to create worldwide
interest.

This is part of the personal collection of NASA astronaut Fred
Haise, a member of the ill-fated April 1970 Apollo 13 mission. This
was intended to be the third craft to land on the moon but an
oxygen tank exploded, prompting those famous words: "OK, Houston,
we've had a problem here".

The story of their safe return to Earth is one of the great
modern adventure dramas, made into the 1995 movie Apollo 13. Bill
Paxton played the part of Haise.

Most of what is listed tomorrow is related to other flights and
much of it is priced surprisingly cheaply.

A few items that are valued close to what you'd expect include
the official NASA checklist strapped to the wrist of Charles Duke's
space suit during his moon walk during the Apollo 16 mission. It's
given an estimate of $US200,000-$US300,000 ($256,000-$384,000).

An Apollo 11 lunar surface star chart, used on board Eagle and
signed by Buzz Aldrin, is given an estimate of $US70,000-$US90,000,
while a lunar dust brush, used on the moon's surface by astronaut
Alan Shepard during the Apollo 14 mission, is valued at
$US125,000-$US175,000.

In contrast, a Distinguished Service Medal presented to Haise is
given a token value of $US2000 while Haise's NASA cloth patch and
name tag, as worn on his Apollo 13 space suit, also appears a
fairly tempting deal at $US7000.

This auction represents the serious level of space collecting
but the majority of interest appears to be over in the fantasy
section. One of the most popular activities on eBay is the buying
and selling of space toys, especially anything related to the Star
Wars and Star Trek franchises. Vintage Transformers (especially the
G1

"Generation One" series from the mid- 1980s) are also in demand,
no doubt spurred on by the recent release of the second
Transformers movie, Revenge Of The Fallen.

The number of serious collectors in this genre is increasing
rapidly, judging by the number of eBay shops specialising in this
and related areas.

Unlike memorabilia from the real world of Fred Haise, space
fantasy exists mainly in cyberspace. These toys are yet to feature
in a big way in auctions in the real world and prices are still
reasonable, although the reported sale of a 1985 Omega Supreme
Transformer for $800 (mint, in box) indicates that prices may be
about to take off into the stratosphere.

"Welcome Space Cadets to my galactic array of space toys and
collectables," writes Travis Martin (see My Collection) in his
welcome blog on his epsilonone eBay site. "New & Used but loved
just the same. All in excellent condition. Enough to fill a solar
system."

Martin is typical of the new breed of space collector, a
self-confessed Generation X space geek who started his shop
initially as a means of gaining credibility among fellow collectors
so he could add to his massive collection.

Now he also sells off his surplus stock, which included (at time
of writing) such exotica as a 1982 TIE Fighter (from The Empire
Strikes Back movie) and USS Voyager from Star Trek.

Martin collects Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica and Star Wars
memorabilia but his real passion is for the Transformers plastic
robots and this is where the action is at the moment, especially in
the G1 series.

The market for vintage Transformers is seen by many as a great
opportunity. It is about 25 years since they were introduced and
that period is considered the peak of nostalgia. Sold in enormous
quantities at the time, few seem to have survived the damage
inflicted by the typical 10-year-old. Ones in the original box are
extremely rare.

Martin has about 350 of these, including a 1985/1986 Omega
Supreme (the largest size sold and therefore the rarest), which his
mother bought him when they first appeared for sale at John
Martin's department store in Adelaide. He still has the original
box and even the original docket, for $79.95.

That was a considerable amount back then, which explains why
relatively few appear for sale and when they do they can fetch
anywhere from $400-$800.

$15

These die-cast Star Wars Micro Machines were produced in 1997.
Readily available at the time, they are now becoming quite
rare.

$180

The Voltron robot from 1982 is considered a classic by
collectors. Five cats were combined to form a robot.

$800

Transformers G1 (Generation One) Omega Supreme figures are now
selling for as much as $800, mint condition in the box. You mean
you threw yours away?

MY COLLECTION

"I am a space cadet living in the Adelaide Hills," announces
Travis Martin on his eBay store epsilonone. "I have become addicted
to eBay. I am here to buy Transformers G1 figures and
accessories."

Born in 1975, Martin is the classic space toy collector. These
were the toys he most desired as a 10-year-old and it is only now
that he can afford to buy them in quantity.

"I come from a family of 11 kids," he explains. "I had a few
when I was young but I had to hide them under my bed so they
wouldn't be taken. I learnt to hoard from an early age."

Martin only recently began to realise that these toys are
potentially a handy investment. He saw a fellow collector featured
on the ABC Collectors program who claimed to have 300 Transformers.
He has at least 350.

These and his other favourites from Star Trek and Star Wars are
displayed in special cabinets in his home. His hoarding mentality
also applies to keeping the sales dockets for all toys he's bought
new. These are stored in a fireproof box. Because these tickets
certify the original date of sale and RRP they provide a valuable
provenance.